Merced pedestrian struck by vehicle, dies

A pedestrian died Monday after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing G Street, the Merced Police Department reported. Mario Diaz, 55, was pronounced dead at Mercy Medical Center Merced, according to a police department statement.

About 6:45 p.m., Diaz was walking across the 1500 block of G Street when he was struck by a 2000 Ford Expedition heading north, police said. It was not immediately clear if Diaz was walking in a crosswalk.

The driver, 24-year-old Gregory Rodriguez, told police he did not see Diaz and did not have time to stop before the collision. Speed estimates were not disclosed.

Diaz suffered major injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.

“Rodriguez had not been drinking prior to the accident,” police said in a news release.

Witnesses and anyone with information about the collision are asked to contact Sgt. Scott Skinner at (209) 385-4702 or the department’s tip line at (209) 385-4725.